Let as no how you get on with the bleeding
If the waterpump is working properly you shouldn't loose much via the breathers. As soon as coolant flows out you close them.Well, when bleeding some of the coolant is being lost through the bleeders themselves.
hmm just a side question if the thermostats is jammed open would this causes more water to be put in for it to reach the level in the header tank??
In this case it does sound like it, it can happen the other way round though....I think you have a head gasket problem which is where the bubbles are coming from.
the cylinder pressure is far higher than the water pressure so you will not get water in the cylinders, you will get combustion gasses in the water system.
Will start the process again after Xmas and see what happens. Changing the HG is alot of work and money?
He has a Sporting though, so does have the cambelt to deal with.Not at all on the 899, no timing belt makes the process alot of easier
If you are doing ti yourself, you will need a gasket set (£25) and head skim(£25 to 30)